Factor VII Curbs Bleeding in Non-Hemophiliac Trauma, Surgical Patients

Use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) reduces the need for blood transfusion in patients without hemophilia and may also reduce mortality, according to pooled data from randomized placebo-controlled trials involving more than 3000 participants, Canadian researchers report.

Tibolone Decreases Fracture, Breast Cancer, but Doubles Stroke Risk

Results of a randomized trial show that tibolone (Livial, Organon), approved for treatment of menopausal symptoms, has positive effects on fracture, breast cancer, and possibly colon cancer in women with osteoporosis over the age of 60 years but more than doubled the risk for stroke.

FDA unexpectedly rejects Schering anesthesia drug

Schering-Plough Corp (nyse: SGP – news – people ) said Friday U.S. regulators had rejected Bridion, its drug to reverse the effects of anesthesia that had been heralded as a breakthrough product by analysts and was unanimously recommended by a federal advisory panel.

Calcitonin Measurement in the Evaluation of Thyroid Nodules in the United States

Calcitonin Measurement in the Evaluation of Thyroid Nodules in the United States: Commentary from F1000   Cheung K, Roman SA, Wang TS, Walker HD, Sosa JA J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008 Jun 93(6):2173-80 Commentary from Faculty Member Furio Pacini with Stefania Marchisotta Changes Clinical Practice: Physicians in the USA should screen patients with thyroid nodules […]

Urologic Disease Burden Among Veterans Underestimated

In the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, estimates of urologic disease prevalence among males and females based only on primary diagnosis will significantly underestimate the true disease burden, say researchers in Los Angeles.

Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery May Allow Incisionless Operations

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) allows for appendectomy through the mouth as well as for other procedures through natural orifices without making abdominal incisions, although laparoscopic assistance is used as a precautionary measure. This advance in minimally invasive surgery was showcased last week at the Natural Orifice Surgery Consortium for Assessment and Research's (NOSCAR) […]

Risk of Infection, Death From MRSA Persists in Long-Term Carriers

People who harbor methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) for more than 1 year remain at substantial risk of MRSA-related illness or death, according to a single-center retrospective cohort study published in the July 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases.